The Net and Netizens: Impact on People's Lives

The Net and Netizens: The Impact the Net has on People's Lives

The term "netizen" refers to an individual who uses the internet as a new form of public space. This concept was first coined by Michael and Ronda Hauben in the early 1990s. Netizens are not just consumers of media texts, but they also actively create and publish information online. Their roles are diverse, ranging from staying informed about current events, participating in political discussions, organizing political campaigns, to voting in elections.

The Net and Networking

The Net extends the idea of networking by connecting people regardless of their geographical location. It breaks the barriers of traditional media, which cater to a smaller audience. The Net has shown that a different model of networking is possible, where international connections coexist with local ones. Computer networks have made communication more advanced, allowing information and thoughts to be connected to people's names and electronic-mail addresses.

Netizens as Resources

Each netizen is a valuable resource to the Net. They contribute to the intellectual and social value of the Net through their voluntary contributions. Over time, these contributions have built the Net into a useful connection to other people around the world.

The Role of Netizens in Social Media

Netizens on social media play a significant role in reading, producing, and publishing text. They engage with compelling news content as readers and leave encouraging comments. As producers, they share knowledge and insights, amuse their friends with humorous content, and share news content for educational purposes. Some netizens also share content for commercial gain.

Netizen's Digital Literacy

The increased freedom that netizens have in their roles as authors, publishers, and creators can sometimes result in communication issues, particularly when interpreting texts, which can cause social unrest. The study aims to evaluate the level of digital literacy of netizens in reading, creating, and publishing messages in social media texts.

Netizens and Hate Speech

While netizens play a crucial role in political society, they can also contribute to the spread of hate speech on social media platforms. Research has shown that netizens can generate motives of Instrumental Violence in response to fear, Power in response to a social entity, Revenge in response to retaliating or punishing someone, Ideology in response to psychological damage, and Sadism in response to seeking pleasure by hurting another person physically or emotionally.

In conclusion, netizens have a profound impact on how we connect, communicate, and understand our world. They are shaping the future of networking and political society, but with this power comes the responsibility to use digital platforms responsibly and respectfully.